Cyprus could apply to become a member of NATO once its armed forces receive the necessary training and equipment with U.S. help to bring them up to the standards of the world's premier military alliance,

Cyprus wants to be ready for the possibility of becoming a NATO member, President Nikos Christodoulides said Thursday, even though Turkey pledges to veto such a move.

Turkey lashed out at Cyprus after its president, Nikos Christodoulides, reiterated the island nation’s aspirations to join NATO.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that the island republic plans to apply for NATO membership when the time is right. Speaking on Cypriot radio, Christodoulides said he is aware that NATO member Turkey is opposed to this move as long as the island remains divided and Turkish Cypriots do not have a say in the decision.